The traditional Chinese version of a book featuring news articles and photographs documenting President Xi Jinping’s leadership in steering China toward national rejuvenation came out at Wednesday’s Hong Kong Book Fair.

The first volume of China’s Governance Under Xi Jinping’s Leadership, published by Hong Kong-based Sino United Publishing, compiles 26 long-form reports and 41 news photographs by Xinhua News Agency, China’s state news service, to offer a vivid account of Xi’s leading role in China’s great revival, while demonstrating the power of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, along with its successful implementation.

Its launch was a marquee highlight of this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair – the city’s premier literary event, now in its 36th edition – which kicked off Wednesday morning at Wan Chai’s Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Addressing the debut ceremony, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said he is “deeply convinced” that the work “will play a positive guiding role” in enhancing Hong Kong society’s appreciation of the motherland and strengthening its people’s sense of national identity.

Cheuk said the book’s release was “most timely” as this year commemorates the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China.

Cheuk said that the book will enable readers in Hong Kong to understand the logic and wisdom that underpin the country's governance through the lens of the nation's new-era governing experience. He added that it offers a rigorous theoretical education and ideological readiness for those who aspire to contribute meaningfully in this new era.

Sun Shangwu, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, said the book’s release in traditional Chinese characters is a “landmark event” for local society to understand the country’s new-era development narrative and “a vital component” in showcasing the success of the Chinese path to modernization with the world.

Sun said he hoped that Hong Kong society would closely study this book to obtain a clear understanding of the country’s overall development trajectory, strategic direction, as well as the central authorities’ policymaking rationale and governance wisdom to help support the SAR government’s law-abiding governance, promote local growth, boost the economy, reform, and improve livelihoods – to help “keep Hong Kong prosperous and stable for the long haul”.

Sun added that he hopes that Hong Kong will “make the most of its superconnector role”, using this book as an intermediary to present an authentic, multi-faceted and comprehensive image of China to global audiences, bringing Hong Kong’s strengths to bear in projecting the country’s voice on the world stage and telling its stories well.

In a pre-recorded speech, Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, said the book uses true stories, clear data and concrete details to panoramically present Xi’s “great governance practice and exceptional achievements”.

These include “splendid chapters about Hong Kong”, Fu said, citing the book’s coverage of Xi’s address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in 2022, as well as content related to the implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law and the substantial progress made in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The book’s release, he added, provides Hong Kong people with a “vivid, authoritative resource” to perceive the nation’s development momentum, apprehend the wisdom underpinning its statecraft, reinforce their patriotic commitment, and forge a united will to strive forward.

The book, one of the most visible titles on display at the book fair, drew many visitors, including Ho Kam-ching, a middle-aged Hong Kong resident.

Ho flipped through the book and several other titles published earlier in traditional Chinese characters that feature Xi’s works and remarks.

“I have a deep respect for the president,” he said. “Whenever I encounter such publications, I was prompted to pick them up and have a look,” he told China Daily.

“I hope to read his notable quotes and learn the theoretical frameworks for our nation’s development. I’m always deeply keen to understand more in these regards,” added Ho.

Contact the writer at gangwen@chinadailyhk.com